<p>The people doing the NFL concussion research for example are not employed by the NFL. They are generally employed by universities and the NFL funds the research. Then of course there are equipment companies that have their own scientists or again contract with university professors. Those people are usually PhDs though.</p>
<p>Professional team physician specifically has a poor outlook. There are what, ~100-150 professional sports teams in the country? They certainly don’t have much turnover and they only take the absolute best/most renowned. They also are usually not full time employed by the team and also maintain a hospital affiliation/practice on the side.</p>
<p>Career prospects as a physician in general are good though.</p>